Full of Flaws!

Treasure saw that his sneak attack had failed.

He immediately retracted the two chains extending from his palms, his expression extremely surprised and wary as he shouted loudly:

"Marine Six Styles?! You're a Marine!"

Seeing that the other party could block his chain attack with just his arms.

Treasure instantly thought of one of the Marine Six Styles—Iron Body.

Because he had once encountered a commodore from Marine Headquarters.

During that pursuit, the Marine had also used his arm to block Treasure's hard chains.

But back then, after blocking the attack, that Marine's expression didn't look as relaxed as this tall man's did now.

He never imagined that trying to catch two thieves who stole his treasure.

Would unexpectedly drag in a Marine with clearly formidable strength.

But since things had come to this, he had no regrets or fear.

This place was just remote enough.

If he took the man out here, he wouldn't have to worry about attracting Marine pursuit.

"Huh? This guy is a Marine?!"

Nami and Carina, standing together at a distance, were both startled by this news.

They tacitly took two steps back together, instinctively thinking of slipping away while they had the chance.

But remembering how the man had stepped forward without fear or reason to block Treasure and his vicious crew.

Both women hesitated and stopped in place.

"Marine Six Styles?"

Will lowered his arms expressionlessly, his tone carrying clear displeasure:

"Just some applications of physical techniques."

"Just because of that, you mistake me for one of those Celestial Dragons' lapdogs."

"You pirates from the outer seas are truly lacking in manners."

"Hm? So you're not a Marine."

Hearing the man describe the Marines in such terms.

Treasure raised an eyebrow, immediately dismissing his earlier guess.

Since the man wasn't a Marine, there was no reason to keep fighting.

After all, the man's strength was clearly not weak, and this battle offered no reward.

For a fight that yielded no treasure or other benefits, he had zero interest.

So he quickly changed his tone:

"I have to admit, taking down so many of my men in such a short time—your strength is indeed not weak."

"But my purpose in sailing the seas is only to find treasure and earn more money."

"So between you and me, there's really no need to keep fighting."

"As long as you hand over those two thieves who stole my treasure, I'll leave right now. I mean what I say."

Treasure, who considered himself a treasure hunter, had never thought much of so-called pirates anyway.

And the men lying on the ground.

Were just consumables he used to acquire treasure.

After all, on this great sea, pirates were the one thing never in short supply.

So losing these subordinates meant nothing to him—he could replenish them anytime.

In Treasure's heart, nothing was irreplaceable except treasure.

His decision to back down now was simply to avoid wasting more time on a fight that held no meaning for him.

"Huh?!"

Nami and Carina never expected that after Will had taken down so many of his men, Treasure would actually be the one to compromise.

Both women nervously turned to look at Will.

If Will agreed to a truce.

Then with Treasure's special ability, at this distance, neither of them could possibly escape from him.

But upon hearing this, Will looked quite surprised, asking in confusion:

"At a time like this, you say this to me? Are you joking?"

"Hm? What do you mean?" Treasure frowned.

Will didn't beat around the bush, stating bluntly:

"Your attitude now satisfies me, but that arrogant display earlier, along with your insult calling me a Marine, has left me quite displeased."

"Besides, I've always been a man of my word. Since I said I'd protect them, I'll see it through."

"So if you want to take them away, there's only one path."

"Beat me."

Nami and Carina heard these words and felt a wave of relief wash over them.

Watching the tall figure still standing guard before them, their gazes flickered, and a stirring rose unbidden in their hearts.

But Treasure, upon hearing this, finally couldn't hold back. He tore off his glasses and flung them away, a vicious glint in his eyes as he roared:

"I offer you a way out and you refuse it! You insist on blocking my path to fortune here! Then I'll just have to eliminate you!"

"Chain Armor!"

He spread both hands wide.

Two chains shot out from his palms, rapidly extending to wrap around his chest and back in an X-shape.

At the same time, his thick arms and clenched fists were also wound with chains.

His entire frame seemed to swell, making him look even bulkier than Will.

"Die!"

After armoring himself.

Treasure wasted no more words. With a furious roar, he raised his chain-wrapped iron fist and charged straight at Will!

"That's right, that's how it should be."

Will remained unfazed, his eyes betraying not a hint of panic—only a glint of excitement and anticipation.

Watching the chain-wrapped fist swing toward him.

Will stepped forward instead of back, pulled his right fist tight, and threw a fierce punch!

Tekkai: Collapsing Fist!

Bam--!!

The fists collided with a thunderous impact, and a visible shockwave burst outward between them.

"Full of openings."

Seeing his opponent still trying to wrestle for dominance.

Will's gaze sharpened. He suddenly pulled back his rear foot, tensed his muscles, and aimed a swift kick at Treasure's shin.

Ground Scrape--!

Treasure, completely unaware, took the kick squarely to his calf. His center of gravity instantly wavered.

Will showed no surprise at this.

He had long noticed that these pirates had little technique in battle.

Their attacks were mostly wild and reckless, relying purely on brute force.

Even Treasure, as their leader who had eaten a Devil Fruit and was clearly stronger, was no exception.

Against Treasure.

Will felt he didn't need to use his full strength. A bit of technique was enough to easily gain the upper hand.

Thoughts flashed in an instant.

Seizing Treasure's loss of balance.

Will struck again, his assault relentless.

He pulled his leg back, planted it firmly on the ground.

Then his other leg shot up in a straight line, kicking upward with lightning speed, too fast for the naked eye to track.

Skyward Kick--!

Will's legs formed a straight line as the swift kick slammed into Treasure's chin.

The immense force sent Treasure, still wrapped in chains, flying into the air.

"Consciousness... is about to scatter..."

His chin crushed by the blow, Treasure spat a mouthful of blood, his eyes rolling white as a fleeting thought of defeat crossed his mind.